I don't know what I'd do if I had to look pretty all the time.

Children don't just play any more - they're far too busy learning to fence and taking extra French classes. In the end, you're actually doing more damage to your children by trying to hot-house them. It's far better to remain a calm parent.

I wasn't frightened of people, but I didn't have a clue about the adult world.

I'm not going to get an Oscar at 30 - that's done. So I'll think of something else.

I don't know what I'd do if I had to look pretty all the time.

It's such a stress always trying to get bigger houses and larger cars and better schools. Of course, parents want to give their children the best opportunities in life, but sometimes that can stifle them.

I'm always nervous taking on a period role because it's difficult to research - you can't observe it, go out and see it. But it's satisfying because eventually you think, 'I got there.